A few new options for freshened BMW X3 -- including a diesel

“The xDrive35i (in typical BMW nomenclature) is the top of the heap for the new X3. Using the twin-scroll technology found in the 335i, the 3.0-liter direct-injection powerplant puts out like a fallen debutante. Speaking of falling, the X3 offers hill descent for extremely steep angles where you need to creep the vehicle down. Like any owner will venture off road.

Standard xDrive28i X3s get a naturally-aspirated 3.0-liter inline-six (seen in the 328i, among others) that puts out to the tune of 240 horsepower.

Both engines are mated to eight-speed automatic transmissions.” -- Leftlanenews.com

“For 2015, the big news is the availability of a turbo diesel engine for $1,500 more than the base gasoline-burning turbo 4.

I topped off the tank and checked the figures: The average speed for the 442 miles I covered was about 70 miles per hour, and the X3 got 36 m.p.g. -- better even than the federal estimate.

But one catch with diesels is making sure the fuel economy is good enough to offset the currently higher price of diesel fuel. The diesel X3’s 27/34 m.p.g. rating compares with 21/28 for its 4-cylinder gas-fed sibling. The E.P.A. calculates that the diesel version will save about $350 a year compared with the gas model, assuming an already outdated premium-fuel price of $3.43 a gallon and a diesel price of $3.64, with 15,000 miles evenly split between city and highway.” -- New York Times

“The exterior improvements may not bowl you over, but they nicely update the 2015 BMW X3, and integrate the compact SUV better with BMW's current styling direction. While we particularly like the new nose, the rear end changes are more subtle, but help to tie the appearance in to the rest of the car nicely. For the most part though, the styling is carryover which again is fine with us. The brushed aluminum of the xLine makes the exterior look more luxurious, or you can give the X3 a more aggressive look with the M Sport's bigger wheels and aerodynamic package.” -- kbb.com

“New standard features for all X3 models include a hands-free power tailgate, ambient lighting, auto-dimming exterior and interior mirrors, and a universal garage door opener. Other standard features include a next-generation iDrive infotainment control system, dual-zone automatic climate control, full power accessories, leatherette upholstery, Bluetooth, automatic windshield wipers, auto on/off headlights, foglights, 18-inch alloy wheels and a 12-speaker audio system with HD radio and auxiliary and USB ports. In addition to the 6-cylinder turbocharged engine, the xDrive35i upgrades with a panoramic sunroof, bi-xenon headlights and wood trim.” -- Cargurus.com

“I briefly played with the different powertrain modes, which were: Comfort, Sport, and Eco Pro. Eco Pro makes the X3 rear-drive only and ensures the transmission is in the highest gear possible for the best mileage. I found myself using it in high traffic situations, where quick throttle response wasn’t needed. Sport mode sharpened up throttle response, but I found myself never using it and suspect most owners won’t either. Usually I drove the X3 in its default mode, Comfort, in which I didn’t need to press the throttle closer to the floor and when all-wheel-drive was on.” -- thetruthaboutcars.com